State Sen. Jake Chapman (R-Adel) shared his thoughts on social media over the weekend about riots happening across the country. On Saturday, a Des Moines Hy-Vee closed early because of a “protest” that was anything but peaceful as a police vehicle was vandalized.
Chapman said America is a nation established on the rule of law.
“We are literally watching the disintegration of our Nation before our eyes; from desecrating/destroying statues of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, to burining, looting and the destruction of businesses, to full anarchy in “police free zone” – in which at least one civilian has been murdered, to blocking entrances so customers can’t enter HyVee. Police in Des Moines were present but did not intervene – why? Perhaps its time for Mayor Cownie to come before the Government Oversight Committee and start answering why his law enforcement is not intervening. If local officials are refusing to give the order to enforce our laws, let’s hold them accountable, let them pay for the destruction of both public and private property! We must restore the rule of law!”
Chapman said if it is necessary to expand jurisdictional authority so state patrol or the Iowa Guard can arrest and charge individuals, then Iowa should do it.
“Let’s send them in to restore law and order. Lastly, if city leaders refuse to enforce our laws and we are forced to send in the patrol or guard let’s withhold state dollars to those communities to cover the costs for providing the service!
“I stand with the good men and women who serve in our law enforcement. We are grateful for their service and their unwavering support of enforcing our laws. Mayor Cownie – leaders lead, you can cheer on lawful protests done in the right way, in the right place, at the right time, while also punishing those who are criminals and disregard our laws! #IStandWithPolice #EnforceTheLaw #AllLivesMatter“
A nation and a society cannot function like this. A private business has rights too. An angry mob should not be allowed to block public streets and shout expletives in front of a private business on private property.
A peaceful protest, sure. However, the right to peaceably assemble cannot trump someone else’s private property rights. People doing their grocery shopping on a Sunday afternoon in Des Moines, Iowa should not have to worry about their children being exposed to what was said and done at Hy-Vee on Saturday.
Chapman is filling a necessary gap in leadership among Republicans not just in Iowa, but across this nation.
Good for him.
